Canadian National recently introduced a locomotive painted to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a service offering support by phone, text, or chat for those facing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or other concerns.
The 988 Lifeline logo and “You Are Not Alone” message are displayed on the long hood of SD75IACC No. 8357.
In a LinkedIn post, Jonathan Quigley, a U.S. Central East regional sales account manager for the railroad, wrote that he had started the project 18 months ago with a sketch of a design for a CN locomotive being rebuilt. “After sharing the design, getting approvals, hours and hours of teamwork, and incredible support from coworkers, family … and friends, I’m proud to share something deeply meaningful: A locomotive dedicated to suicide prevention.
“Trains are moving billboards, and engines always draw attention. What better way to spread a message that matters — you are not alone, and there is always someone to support you.”
In a statement to Trains, CN spokeswoman Ashley Michnowski said, “This initiative reflects CN’s commitment to supporting mental health awareness through meaningful action. Developed through cross-functional collaboration, the project repurposed a locomotive from CN’s rebuild program and features the ‘988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. and the message ‘You are not alone.’
“Operating systemwide on freight trains, the locomotive serves as a visible reminder that help is always available. By promoting open conversations around mental health, CN aims to help build safer, more supportive communities,” she added.
Quigley and CN have thanked Progress Rail, which rebuilt the locomotive, for its part in the project. Progress Rail, in its own LinkedIn post, said it was “honored to work with CN to help spread a message of care and support across the rail network.”
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